Hanger, Austin, Texas, Ivan R. Sabel, and the Hanger Ivan R. Sabel Foundation have been named the inaugural recipients of Catholic Medical Mission Board’s (CMMB) Global Health Care Leadership Award in honor of Hanger’s 150th anniversary and its outstanding humanitarian efforts in Haiti. The award was presented to Hanger CEO Thomas F. Kirk and Ivan R. Sabel, CPO, chairman of the board for Hanger and chairman of the Hanger Ivan R. Sabel Foundation, at a gala dinner culminating Hanger’s Annual Education Fair and National Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, February 3, 2012.
Established this year, on the occasion of CMMB’s100th anniversary, the award honors individuals and organizations with whom CMMB has close working partnerships that have made a significant impact in the world of global health. Hanger and CMMB have worked closely together as members of the Haitian Amputee Coalition, which was established by Hanger in the wake of the Haiti earthquake in January 2010. The coalition created a long-term prosthetic and rehabilitation center on-site at the Hôpital Albert Schweitzer in Deschapelles, Haiti. The coalition also has provided psychosocial support, transportation, and physical therapy. Continuing resources are being provided to focus on long-term sustainability and integration of services into existing local organizations.